KNOXVILLE, TENN. (MAY 30, 2019) -- Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, will mark their 25th anniversary at the upcoming Grassroots Connect buying show in Knoxville, Tennessee, on June 9-12, 2019.
Honoring the milestone with special presentations during their member dinner and Education Day, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is also celebrating strong and steady growth over the last 30 days, the year-to-date, and the last 12 months.
"These businesses and business owners are truly at the core of local communities across the country, and in many cases are also an important economic engine," said Rich Hill, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. "You have to tip your hat to the ongoing commitment of independent specialty retailers."
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance topline sales reports for member retailers indicate an increase of 5.78% in the month of April, extending a growth trend buoyed by increases in five out of the last six months. The group reports 3.6% overall growth since Jan. 1, 2019, and an increase of 2.53% nationally over the last 12 months.
Notably, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance positive sales are being led by stores with a single retail storefront -- a group reporting growth of 3.93% year-over-year. Close behind, stores with 2-4 doors are up 2.95% in the same period.
"Operating a successful business is about more than just growth," added Hill. "However, there's no better time to celebrate growth than when it comes from small independent shops."
Efficient, affordable and effective for all attendees, Grassroots Connect is designed specifically to improve retail buying results. Scheduled early in the buying cycle, and organized to be simple in layout and design, Grassroots Connect regularly attracts leading independent specialty retailers, vendor brands and outdoor industry media.
Next month's Connect show will begin with an Education Day (June 8), including a full slate of seminars and presentations, and culminating with the eagerly anticipated Grassroots Dinner & Award night. Retailer and vendor sales appointments -- which are pre-booked for all attendees by Grassroots Connect staff -- will fill attendee calendars from Sunday to Wednesday (June 9-12).
Highlighting their ongoing commitment to retailer and vendor efficiency, the upcoming Grassroots Connect will also feature increased efforts in conversion to digital sales presentations. At the show, more than 25% of attending retailers will be equipped with iPads, while Grassroots Connect organizers will download, store and share digital workbooks from exhibiting vendors and vendor partners. And, to share best practices for implementation, Grassroots Connect will host a Digital Workbook seminar for its members on Saturday, June 8 at 11 am.
"By bringing both retailers and vendors forward together, our goal is to help foster a system that works well for everyone," said Hill. "Every small step toward the elimination of the paper workbook is a major efficiency boost delivering massive working benefits."
ABOUT GRASSROOTS OUTDOOR ALLIANCE: Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is an active network of 70 independent retailers working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail. With 130 storefronts across 37 states, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is creating both a vision and roadmap for the long-term success of independent specialty retailers through data collection and analysis, direct member support, specialty events, and deep vendor partnerships. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is also recognized as a catalyst for the success of its retailers and vendor partners; an advocate for specialty independent retail; a promoter of education and community within the specialty channel; and a key influencer of the national outdoor industry. For more information on Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, please go to www.grassrootsoutdoors.com.
ABOUT GRASSROOTS CONNECT: Efficient, affordable and effective for every attendee, Grassroots
Outdoor Alliance Connect is the only national show designed specifically to improve retail buying results. Scheduled as early as possible in the buying cycle, the growing Grassroots Connect show attracts nearly 1,000 independent specialty retailers, vendor brands, media, and members of the outdoor industry community to each show. Connect provides a highly efficient opportunity for retailers, reps and vendors to present, discuss, plan and collect pre-season orders. Cost-effective and simple, Connect is both an incubator and testing ground for the greater outdoor industry. Invited retailers receive a per attendee reimbursement to offset their travel costs. Future dates for Connect include Knoxville, Tennessee (June 9-12, 2019) and Denver, Colorado (Nov. 1-4, 2019). For more information on Grassroots Connect, please go to https://connect.grassrootsoutdoors.com
